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The Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project (THBP): a prospective longitudinal examination of the effect of university-level education in older adults in preventing age-related cognitive decline and reducing the risk of dementia

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Abstract

Background:
Differences in the level of cognitive compromise between individuals following brain injury are
thought to arise from underlying differences in cognitive reserve. The level of cognitive reserve attained
by an individual is influenced by both genetic and life experience factors such as educational attainment
and occupational history. The Tasmanian Healthy Brain Project (THBP) is a world-first prospective
study examining the capacity of university-level education to enhance cognitive reserve in older adults and
subsequently reduce age-related cognitive decline and risk for neurodegenerative disease.

Methods:
Up to 1,000 adults aged 50–79 years at the time of entry into the study will be recruited to participate
in the THBP. All participants will be healthy and free of significant medical, psychological, or psychiatric
illness. Of the participant sample, 90% will undertake a minimum of 12 months part-time university-level
study as an intervention. The remaining 10% will act as a control reference group. Participants will complete an
annual comprehensive assessment of neuropsychological function, medical health, socialization, and personal
well-being. Premorbid estimates of past cognitive, education, occupational, and physical function will be used
to account for the mediating influence of prior life experience on outcomes. Potential contributing genetic
factors will also be explored.

Results:
Participant results will be assessed annually. Participants displaying evidence of dementia on the
comprehensive neuropsychological assessment will be referred to an independent psycho-geriatrician for
screening and diagnosis.

Conclusions:
The THBP commenced in 2011 and is expected to run for 10–20 years duration. To date, a total
of 383 participants have been recruited into the THBP.